Group rallies to fight apartments' expansion

Caroline Apartments wants approval from the Board of Adjustment to build closer to homes in North Downtown.

By ANDREW MEACHAM

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 6, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- North Downtown neighbors have opposed plans by apartment complex officials to build closer to their properties than codes now allow. Representatives of the Caroline Apartments Development will seek variances at a May 18 meeting of the Board of Adjustment.

A resolution passed Thursday by the North Downtown Neighborhood Association opposes the variances. The measure carries no legal weight, but development opponents hope the testimony of neighbors will influence the board.

Codes require a 15-foot separation between residential buildings. Developers for the complex at 340-350 First St. N are seeking exceptions to that rule. The board in April postponed the original variance decision after some neighbors said they had not been notified.

James Falkingham, who works in the insurance business, bought his townhome in 1998 at 109 Fareham Place, abutting the Caroline site. The proposed development would block his rear window view, he told neighbors.

"I'm not trying to stop development," Falkingham, 53, said. "But I have to protect my investment."

Architect Randolph Wedding, who represents the development, could not be reached for comment.

The association also heard from Mark Miller, a Web site specialist, who said he has collected about 100 signatures on a petition asking police to enforce codes in Mirror Lake. Homeless people have overrun the lake, he said, in violation of city ordinances, including one that prohibits being in the park beyond one half-hour after dusk.

"It's a campground over there, and it's not supposed to be," Miller, 52, said. He plans to collect 200 signatures and turn the petition over to community police officers.

First 'Home of the Month' award given to couple

Since Joseph and Cindy Fish bought their Woodlawn Oaks home 15 years ago, they have added palm trees, impatiens, poinsettias and oleanders, among other plants. Now the couple have a new decoration -- a sign posted by neighbors declaring their property "Home of the Month."

The Woodlawn Oaks Neighborhood Association made Joseph Fish, a St. Petersburg Times employee, and Cindy the first winners of the award for their home at 1700 21st Ave. N.

"We're kind of proud," said Cindy Fish, 48.

The association also planted a sign in Gary and Kathy Bartell's yard to honor the first "Neighbor of the Month." Woodlawn Oaks president Skip Brooks said the Bartells have volunteered for an annual carnival at St. Paul's Catholic Church and helped the St. Petersburg High School band boosters. They also assisted neighbor Maxine Van Dorn before her Feb. 21 death at age 91.

Both couples will be recognized at the association meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at D & J's Cafe, 2050 15th St. N.

Euclid-St. Paul plans membership meeting

Euclid-St. Paul is planning a special membership meeting from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. A consultant will discuss survey results with neighbors for the neighborhood plan.

Pageant will crownMiss Lakewood Estates

A new Miss Lakewood Estates will be crowned today. The pageant, sponsored by Lakewood Estates Crime Watch, starts at 3 p.m. at St. Petersburg Little Theater, 4025 31st St. S.

Plant sale to be held today at Meadowlawn

Plant lovers won't want to miss Meadowlawn's plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Neighbors will set up shop behind Fire Station No. 7, 6975 Dr. M.L. King (Ninth) St. N.

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